Common Names

Parts Usually Used

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Tormentil is a perennial European plant; the irregular, knobby rootstock
is dark brown on the outside, white inside, turning red on exposure
to air. The plant has several fine-haired, branched stems from 4-16
inches tall. The serrate, fine-haired leaves are palmately 3 to 5
parted; the segments on the stem leaves are oblanceolate, while those
on the basal leaves are rounded and wilt soon after developing. The
yellow, 4-petaled flowers bloom on long stalks from May to August.

Legends, Myths and Stories

Uses

The decoction and tincture are used for diarrhea,
enteritis, and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and
bleeding gums, canker
sores. The tincture is good for sealing hemorrhages, for leucorrhea,
and for fevers. Diluted it makes
a good mouthwash and gargle for sore
throat. The root is used for chronic and infectious catarrhal
enteritis, quinsey, epilepsy, toothache,
dysentery, and jaundice.
Especially helps intestinal problems where diarrhea and constipation
alternate. Externally, used to help heal wounds,
sores, ulcers,
bruises and relieves pain.

Culpeper claims that this herb expels any venom
or poison, or the plague, other contagious diseases, as pox, measles;
even cures the "French pox" he notes one writer, Andreas Valesius,
to declare.